Rival jet makers await Japan's decision

US and European fighter jet makers are competing fiercely to win the contract to sell their products to Japan.

The companies believe that Japan's selection will affect the decisions of Brazil, Turkey and other emerging economies, which are planning to introduce large numbers of fighter jets in the near future.

European makers are offering their Eurofighter model and believe Japan, which has used US jets, is key to expanding business worldwide.

The United States, meanwhile, does not regard Japan as just a customer. It sees orders from Japan as proof of a bilateral strong alliance.

US President Barack Obama says that US and Japan form a rare alliance as the closest friends and allies.

The United States thinks if Japan buys fighter jets, the main players in Japan's defense, from countries other than the US, it will have a deleterious effect on the two countries' relations.

All participants are cautiously watching what Japan will do, as its next generation of fighter jets will play a main role in the country's air defense for decades to come.